NEWPORT-born footballer Byron Anthony believes he is ready to follow in the footsteps of Gwent stars James Collins and Danny Gabbidon after making a dream debut for Cardiff City on Tuesday.

Anthony made his first start for the Bluebirds at Milton Keynes Dons in the 4-1 Carling Cup win and even managed to get on the scoresheet with a second-half header.

It was a real Roy of the Rovers moment for the classy young defender, particularly as he celebrated his 20th birthday on Monday.

But now Anthony is determined to build on the promising start he has made as a professional footballer and he is certain that he is ready to establish himself in the Championship.

He told the Argus: "It was a great debut and I was delighted to get the call from Lennie Lawrence to tell me that I was playing. It was a dream come true.

"We haven't had the best of runs as a team lately but the lads were nice and confident and we scored three quick goals so we were always in a strong position.

"We defended well and of course as a defender you hope to nick the odd goal at a set-piece and I was lucky to score on my debut, which was a great moment.

"The manager came and spoke to me after the game and told me I had done well and had handled the game well so that was a big boost to my confidence.

"But now my main aim is just to stay in and around the first team squad because I am learning so much from the players who have more experience than I do.

"Training with players like Vidmar, Kavanagh and Thorne is such a great experience and the more senior players are good at giving advice and looking out for the younger players in the squad, which is a big help.

"James Collins is also around in the squad and I have known him since school (they both attended St. Joseph's) and he and Danny Gabbidon are two young players who have achieved a lot already, which gives me a confidence boost.

"They have both played for Wales which is my ambition, but first I need to establish myself at Cardiff and hopefully help us to get back into the top six where we belong."

Wayne Elsey of Grassroots Management has been looking after Anthony for three years and he was not surprised to see Anthony step into the Cardiff team so quickly. He explained: "Byron is a very committed, very dedicated young player who has all the attributes to go on and enjoy a long and successful career and I have no doubts that he will do just that."

l Cardiff manager Lennie Lawrence yesterday boosted his squad with the signing of Sunderland defender Darren Williams.